Shows
It Just Got RealFrom Funder to FounderWhat does it mean to design your life? In this episode, Denisha Kuhlor, founder and CEO of Stan, shares her journey of embracing uncertainty, taking risks, and redefining her path. Through introspection and experimentation, she discovers the importance of pausing to reflect on one's true desires and the confidence that comes from learning through triumphs and setbacks.Denisha's story of leaving the comfy world of venture capital and startup banking to start her own company rooted in her wildest dreams is a testament to the power of intentionality and adaptability. Get ready to be inspired and challenged...2024-05-3059 min
It Just Got RealEverything EverywhereShyvonne lands in Bali, and things immediately get Very Real. With various challenges and unexpected situations, Shyvonne shares how she chose to embrace the moment and make the most of it: shifting from what was going wrong to embracing the abundance of life and living each day to the fullest. We talk trusting ourselves, what it means to take a calculated risk, and ultimately – transformative experiences. We also get into the practical and how Shyvonne Does It All by treating her life like a lesson plan – including the importance of rest. We also touch on 'Cowboy Carter' (because of cour...2024-05-0649 min
It Just Got RealMake What You WantOn this episode, Snigdha Sur, founder of The Juggernaut, discusses the decision to raise prices and the challenges faced in a tough funding environment. As a community-driven platform focused on people largely underrepresented in the media space, this was a challenging balancing act. How do you focus on representation while leaving space for critique? How do you invite criticism of yourself while dealing with trolls and negativity? How do you make a business sustainable while trying to make sure it’s accessible and representative of people who feel deeply connected to the mission? We dive into all of this an...2024-04-1856 min
It Just Got RealShifting Your PostureIn this episode, Cheraé shares a vulnerable moment at a team dinner that could’ve went entirely left. The tension between her current role in venture capital and her previous work building her startup were at a fever pitch and spilled over in a way she did not anticipate. After being gathered by a couple of her closest friends and confidantes, her perspective shifts dramatically and some incredible things start to happen. Han and Cheraé discuss the stories we tell ourselves in work and how they can be similar to the stories we tell ourselves in relationships and family. They...2024-04-0440 min
It Just Got RealCreating AnswersIn this episode, Mallory Contois, Head of Community at Mercury and Founder of The Old Girls Club, shares her journey of navigating the challenges and pressures of being a woman in tech, from raising a $25 million Series A round for a gaming startup to grappling with the immense responsibility and isolation that came with her role as COO. The conversation delves into the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the creation of a supportive community that empowers women to voice their struggles and triumphs.We discuss the sometimes problematic dynamics of mentorship, the significance of creating spaces for...2024-03-1454 min
It Just Got RealMastering the PivotFrom sleeping in gym clothes to the profound impact of spiritual journey’s, this episode with Sugar Living CEO Fatima Choice, is a testament to the resilience required to succeed in the startup world. Her transition from Jetpack to Sugar, a community-enhancing tech platform, illustrates the importance of community and connection in both business and personal growth. This episode not only explores the highs and lows of startup life but also delves into the broader implications of our current societal and political climate, emphasizing the significance of community, mental health, and the delicate balance of pursuing entrepreneurial dreams while ma...2024-03-0549 min
It Just Got RealAgainst All OddsIn this conversation, Cat Middleton, General Partner at The Venture Collective, shares a vulnerable moment when she questions her place in venture capital. She discusses her motivation to make a difference and create a more inclusive environment. While charing her unlikely journey to VC, she addresses imposter syndrome, the fear of failure and success, and how she sees the value of authentic connections and humanizing interactions as one of the major keys to the game. From how she assess early-stage founders to AI to healthcare and working moms, we cover a lot of ground and show why...2024-02-151h 01
It Just Got RealThe Three Year InsightLet’s talk navigating career transitions! Han shares her post-acquisition story from where we left off in the last season when her company was acquired. We cover fitting into boxes (or not), taking advice (or not), and going from being a generalist to a specialist in a career transition. We also talk about the importance of approaching learning with a growth mindset and “time boxing”. With plenty of practical takeaways for anyone navigating a job shift right now, we’re keeping it real with a throwback episode with just the two of us where we even end up talking Air Jord2024-02-0146 min
It Just Got RealShift HappensWhether intentional or not, shifts are a constant. JZ is a master of the career pivot, and is here to tell us all about it, how she’s (impressively) navigated them to here current role as COO at Charm. But this is It Just Got Real, and so of course, we’re gonna get into it :) We also talk regretful decisions, missed opportunities, the complex experience of being a minority that is often labeled “successful, “unknown” unknowns, affirmative action, and the need for true allyship.2024-01-1855 min
It Just Got Real1,000 Lives9 lives isn’t even the beginning of what Karina has lived in her impressive career. From the military to banking to tech to coaching and so much more, throughout it all Karina Cares About The Humans. In this show we get into what it really means to be a “leader”? And how do you unleash potential in others as a manager? Karina brings the goods, smashing up our traditional (aka patriarchal) notions of leadership and teaches us how to be a “multiplier”. In true coach form, by the end of this episode Karina is not-so-sneakily coaching all of us, and we’re...2024-01-1157 min
It Just Got RealMirth and The MagicianIf you identify as: “A ______ and an Artist” – or want to, this show is for you. In this (hilarious) episode we talk to Danielle, someone who isn’t only a tech founder in the Silicon Valley, but also a prolific and extremely funny artist. Highly aware of the unique (and sometimes bizarre) culture of the Bay Area, she’s consistently pranking it with art-scepades. Next time you hear about where to buy a sweater for your chilly drone or a toothbrush sharing startup, you’ll know the woman behind it. She takes us through her Moment infiltrating a major conference a...2024-01-0435 min
It Just Got RealJoy as an Act of ResistanceWith Manushka Magloire. Whether you’re a community builder or appreciate being in community, Manushka's story is one you don’t want to miss. Amidst a loss-of-identity moment, the former Global Director of Social Impact and Community for AFROPUNK takes us through her journey of self-discovery and growth to leaning into her superpowers as a soul-led convened an architect founding The Lay Out and working with For Freedoms. From actual practical tips on soft skills and “network building” (not the BS we usually hear) to finding and creating belonging and purpose within community, Manushka leads with with heart and soul. Tu...2023-12-2154 min
It Just Got RealAI and the Future We (Don’t) Believe InWith Geneviève Patterson. In this episode, we bring on our first (!) guest, Dr. Geneviève Patterson, Han’s co-founder at Trash. Geneviève is an accomplished scientist specializing in computer vision and artificial intelligence. We talk to her about her current (surprising) project and what it’s been like to be on the forefront of inventing a technology that is now hitting every consumer and enterprise in a major way. From the impressive power of AI, the rush towards commercialization fueled by investors, and Genevieve’s urgent concerns - we go deep unpacking who’s most at risk and what we...2023-12-1441 min
It Just Got RealDeciding to End It AllWe're back for season 2! In today's new episode, Cheraé talks about continuing to be a founder, even when you're no longer running a company. She describes the winding road for Tastemakers Africa, how the pandemic impacted the business, and navigating changes in her identity since then.Learn about how to support the Fearless Fund.2023-12-0747 min
It Just Got Real"It Just Got Real" Returns!"It Just Got Real" returns next Thursday! Join us for Season 2 of It Just Got Real, a podcast for creative women in business who are carving out their own path in work and life. Join us every Thursday for the realness!Coming soon, wherever you listen to podcasts and now on YouTube.2023-11-3001 min
It Just Got RealEpisode 30: Trash is TreasureThe realest moment of the season goes down in the finale - Han announces she's sold her company TRASH to VSCO. The two unpack the ins and outs of getting acquired in the rona before going into a run-down of some of the biggest record scratches and culture moments of an insane 2020.2020-12-1044 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 29: Do What Gets The People GoingCherae realizes she's been so busy with making things sound right that she's stopped following her instincts. Han jumps in and they unpack everything from transparency, to the creative process, to just putting shit out there. In culture we discover Colors on YouTube and new music and we even make our way to discussing Mike Tyson now on Triller (bbm confused face).2020-12-0334 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 28: Swapping Out Your OSCherae realizes she needs more than a "work/life balance break" and unpacks what it's like to reprogram the way you get things done. Han chimes in with some thoughts on her own shifts before getting real about the state of COVID-19 in Los Angeles and what's really going on with pandemic Thanksgiving gatherings. The two close it out with Cherae stepping into the new millenium and actually using Spotify to share new music from Amaraee and Odunsi the Engine. 2020-11-2731 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 27: You Don't Have to Like ItHan gets asked a question that makes her confront the realities of building, and the not so glamorous parts of getting the job done. Cheraé chimes in with some thoughts on where our need for "veneer" comes from and the two of them have some record scratch moments from everyday life. In culture Han drops two new tracks (by other people, she has not taken up being a rapper) before wrapping up the show with some takeaways that should help you in your life as an entrepreneur.2020-11-1930 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 26: Mama I Made ItWith election results in - Han and Cherae dive into what this all means and are generally elated about the outcomes. In the real moment, Cherae chats moving into a new apartment in Brooklyn, what that means for her state of mind as a founder, and the tradeoffs female founders make unnecessarily in their journeys. In culture Soulection shows up again as does YG's FDT hit rising to the top of the charts.2020-11-1235 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 25: In LimboCherae and Han jump into the thing everyone is laser focused on: the US election. Recorded as the results were in the air, the two discuss what this means for America and for themselves. Han also gets pretty personal with her moment - you'll have to tune in to see how.2020-11-1024 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 24: Creative Blocks Aren't A ThingIn another live episode from Mexico, Cheraé shares the moment where Han, over the most delicious of Portuguese dinners, blew up the idea of "creative blocks" and got to the nuts and bolts of how creative output (when it's what you do for a living) actually works. The record scratch dives into things white women are doing in 2020, including becoming a new breed of political activist in the burbs (a win, if albeit late) and ascending to the Supreme Court just days before an election (why aren't we revolting again?). In culture, we go on a little bit of a...2020-10-2936 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 23: Viva MexicoHan and Cheraé take the pod to Mexico and deal with the realness of travel during COVID-19 and what makes something "essential essential". Han chats through the emotions and logistics of the entire decision and Cheraé's record scratch reveals that leaving the US doesn't always mean leaving its problematic ways. In culture or what could be called the Big Phat Culture Moment Han and Cherae run the gamut from new music vibes to film to the Pattern app's new UI (or lack thereof). All in all this is the how do we manage in this entirely unmanageable moment in...2020-10-2238 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 22: Give It Time To BakeCheraé's week gets real when she has to hit pause and give herself time to get to leader level vision. Han chimes in with some lessons and cautions around the murky middle of being in the thick of a founder journey at the least celebrated stage. They both share tips for breaking through before jumping into the Record Scratch moment, which per normal includes commentary on Trump and other shenanigans. Rounding out the show we celebrate the Lakers and something in 2020 that actually went right.2020-10-1539 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 21: Many Guns, Many DrawersHan's moment is a bit of a founder's groundhog's day and tackles the idea of focus. Probably the single most repeated advice given to founders, Cheraé and Han tackle whether focus is really the key to the game. You'll have to listen in to see where they land. On the record scratch they chat Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis and Roblox's IPO (which Cheraé is kicking herself for not investing in). In culture they talk the new beauty trend heating up election season and Sango's latest drop.2020-10-0835 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 20: Fire is Better than FailingCheraé shares one of the hardest parts of being a founder and some pro tips for how to make the pill easier (in the long run). Han chimes in with some tried and true methods and some tangible ways to build better. The record scratch centers on the Breonna Taylor ruling, pulling in some lessons from Germany on dealing with America's ongoing race problem. And, finally Cheraé and Han are joined by a surprise special guest to discuss The Social Dilemma (hint: it's our producer, Sam Fragoso).2020-10-0153 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 19: The Long GameHan reveals a huge product accomplishment that was years in the making and shares the mindset and practice required to have the conviction to tackle the hard things that don't come easily. The record scratch is the one we all felt - the passing of RBG and the subsequent foolery that has commenced in America. In culture Han and Cheraé talk TikTok – with a hot take on the drama surrounding all short form video apps, art on the bank of the LA river, and feeling 17 again (perhaps all at once).2020-09-2433 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 18: Tunnel VisionCheraé shares the tension between founder ambitions vs. practical life choices. Han chimes in and shares that "Plan B" is not a thing. The two then talk about vision, conviction, and what that all really means - especially for founders trying to adult, have impact, and/or leave a legacy beyond their companies (if this is a thing). The record scratch unfortunately brings us back to Trump once again while in culture the two share their love for "I May Destroy You" and Patti Labelle's pies (kind of).2020-09-1742 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 17: Don't Smash the EggHan's life gets real when she learns just how intense getting a rescue dog can be. She re-evaluates this move, which is proving to be an exercise in patience. That's a muscle we should all be flexing during COVID-19, as we inch towards the sort of "normalcy" that existed before.You can't avoid including one Donald Trump moment during the record scratch, but there is also a bit of suspense in Cherae's bike brush with mortality.Finally, in culture, Nigerian artist Tiwa Savage makes her debut on Jimmy Kimmel. We also chat Usher's new Vegas R...2020-09-1031 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 16: DiscretionCheraé reflects on the passing of Chadwick Boseman and his choice to keep his battle with cancer private. Han chimes in and they both reflect on whether sharing your struggle is always the right (or necessary) way forward. Jacob Blake and the NBA strike make this week's record scratch (in what feels like an ongoing one for the US), and Han closes us out with a catchy reggae tune from the Bank of Jamaica lol.2020-09-0235 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 15: You Are the OpportunityHan shares an update on what has been a pretty intense fundraising season with a critical mindset shift that's unlocking her superpowers. We also dive into Kamala Harris securing the VP nomination, and what it means for women, badassery, and the US moving forward.2020-08-2734 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 14: Just Face ItCherae shares an intense moment in her personal life that required a flight and some serious big girl panties. She also meets a fine fellow and realizes the rona pounds must go. Han discovers new music, including some very raunchy hip-hop, and dabbles into her own motivational Spotify lists. Cherae and Han discuss being transient, closing out the show with some thoughts that'll help you face any moment.2020-08-2035 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 13: We Are What We SayHan shares an epiphany moment related to that constant drum of stress any "slightly" ambitious person always feels. While chatting through all the ways stating "I'm stressed out" is not productive, Cheraé and Han both share the sentiment that WAP is actually the reliever of these things. Digging deeper into the culture moment, Han talks radio while Cheraé chats non appropriative culture dabbling. Finally, there's a record scratch that comes with a happy ending.2020-08-1341 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 12: Intuition Is Not A Bad WordCheraé has a BLACK IS KING moment when she does an impromptu popup for her member community seemingly throwing caution to the wind in an effort to deliver for her audience. Han chimes in with some advice for founder balancing intuitive understanding and a data/process driven approach to building a consumer company. We discuss the ridiculous chatterboxes coming for Queen Megan Thee Stallion (and the ongoing assault on black women's ability to be soft) and close out with some nods to Beyonce's latest masterpiece and Roy Ayers served wine flight style.2020-08-0635 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 11: Don't Hoard Your WorkHan, a recovering perfectionist, makes a new portfolio website. This is usually an extremely painful task of selecting and sharing the right work. Today is a different story. She shares her tips and tricks on this week's episode. Plus, why your company comms matter, from racist chicken wings to COVID tests.2020-07-3033 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 10: Step Up Your A GameCheraé gets real about being pushed as a founder and needing to broaden her circle of confidants to get the learnings she needs to take things to the next level. Han shares the realities of getting to done and they both find themselves looking for a really good guide to dating post the rona.2020-07-1634 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 9: Learning How to LaunchHan has an "aha" moment and realizes she was doing "launch" all wrong after seeing what success looks like. Boat Flags become the new "hot campaign swag" in the most unfortunate way, Instagram's algorithm is the flipping worst, and Cherae is a latecomer to Drag Race.2020-07-0935 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 8: Into the FireCherae talks about getting called out for not being vocal about a major issue in her community, unpacking how trauma and the past can stifle your voice, and what to do about it. Han shares her own experiences with moving past this and also a pretty epic internet moment this week with the Eye Mouth Eye stunt from Twitter. The show closes out with some tips on productivity, a shout out to the See in Black project, and a nod to the new Arca album.2020-07-0235 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 7: The Breaking PointHan has had enough of the rona and shares how balancing it all alone is next to impossible. Cherae shares a seemingly never ending list of record scratch moments and Sherman's Showcase and Teyana Taylor's new album enter the cultural lexicon of the pod #addsomekente.2020-06-2539 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 6: You Can't Starve Your Way To SuccessCherae deals with the realities of COVID-19's longer term impact on her company, Han shares insights from the Snap Partner Summit and getting sassy with a journalist on Twitter, and we continue to dig into the world waking up to racial injustice (including how Karen's keep getting it wrong).2020-06-1834 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 5: “Solidarity Swipes”In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death - the question of what to do and who should do it is on the minds of every person who is even half aware of what’s going on. Han unpacks what this has meant for Trash, what to do when you get it “wrong”, and Cheraé shares some unexpected places where activism is showing up - hint: it’s in dating apps.2020-06-1140 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 4: “We're Still in the Less than Human Bucket”You know what this is about. Stay safe, stay strong. 2020-06-0443 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 3: Making Work, WorkThis week: we discuss the ways to cope with work in a pandemic and how to make a plan with our uncertain future. Plus- we try to make sense of bleach-drinkers, southern states reopening, and more!2020-05-2835 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 2: From the HeartWelcome back! This week Han and Cheraé talk about writing pitch decks from the heart, finding your company's true purpose, funny email greetings, and how to use this unusual moment to create, virus and all. 2020-05-2135 minIt Just Got RealEpisode 1: The Pilot!The first episode of It Just Got Real is about as real as it could possibly get. Cheraé shares what it means to be a travel company in the middle of a pandemic. Then, we talk about being true to your purpose, even when everything around you feels precarious. Also what's up in pop culture? The Weeknd album that's what. Spoiler: we may or may not have varying opinions on that record. Welcome to our show! 2020-05-1435 minIt Just Got RealIntroducing “It Just Got Real”It Just Got Real is a weekly podcast hosted by two multi-hyphenate founders from different worlds, Hannah Donovan (Trash) and Cheraé Robinson (Tastemakers Africa). Each week features a break through "got real" moment and unpacks the lessons, struggles and wins of choosing the unbeaten path. It Just Got Real is literally happening in real time. If you want to start something new; already have; or just wanna do this thing called life differently, hit subscribe hang out with Han & Cheraé! New episodes every Thursday.2020-05-0702 min